- When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,
- For all the day they view things unrespected;
- But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,
- And darkly bright, are bright in dark directed.
- Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright,
- How would thy shadow’s form form happy show
- To the clear day with thy much clearer light,
- When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so!
- How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made
- By looking on thee in the living day,
- When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade
- Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay!
- All days are nights to see till I see thee,
- And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.